Retractable Luggage Wheel System

ABSTRACT

A retractable wheel system for luggage. The retractable wheel system includes a luggage body with a base portion, a top portion and a plurality of sides, which define a packing compartment. At least two wheels are pivotably mounted to the base portion of the luggage body. An actuator is coupled to the housing, the actuator retracts or extends a cable wire. The cable wire extends from the actuator to the retractable wheels. The cable wire is guided to a rotary wheel by a pair of cable track wheels. The cable track wheels guide the cable wire along the rotary wheel from the actuator to the wheels. A recoil spring is connected to the actuator, the recoil spring contracts the cable wire and retracts the wheels. Further, a plurality of pockets are disposed at the base portion to house the wheels when the wheels are retracted.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/932,333 filed on Jan. 28, 2014. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a wheel system for luggage. More particularly, the present invention relates to a retractable wheel system for luggage that protects the wheels when not in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a great number of suitcase and luggage case products of different sizes and shapes presently available. They are used primarily for transporting clothing and other personal items during travel. Many of these luggage cases are outfitted with wheels at the base of the luggage carrying case for efficient transport. The luggage wheels enable a traveler to move the luggage more easily because he or she can roll the luggage rather than carry the luggage. Conventionally, the luggage wheels extend out from the surface of the luggage and cannot be retracted. Because the wheels cannot be retracted, the luggage requires more space for storage than would be required if the luggage did not have wheels. In the case of carry-on luggage, the extra space required due to the un-retractable wheels may necessitate that the luggage be checked onto cargo deck of the plane rather than fitting into the more convenient overhead bins in the cabin of the plane. Checking luggage onto the plane creates additional hassles for the traveler and requires additional time, as well as additional fees. Another problem with the conventional luggage wheels is that they may break more easily because they do not retract.

Because the luggage wheels in a carrying case are extended even when not in use, luggage wheels are often prone to damage, especially when frequently used. Rather than replace the luggage entirely, many individuals simply use the damaged luggage, which can be difficult and frustrating. Additionally, when not in use, the wheels can be inconvenient and can take up precious cargo space. They can also snag vehicle interiors or closet walls, causing damage to the luggage body and other surfaces.

Devices are known in the prior art that relate to luggage wheel assemblies. Some of these devices provide a luggage case with retractable wheels, whereby a retractable handle and retractable wheels are linked so that the extension of the handle cause the extension of the wheels. Other known devices comprise wheels that are retractable within the body of the luggage when actuated by a handle. These prior art devices, however, fail to provide a luggage wheel retraction system that includes recoil springs and cables, whereby the raising and lowering of a luggage handle facilitates a likewise movement of the luggage wheels. Additionally, the prior art devices do not allow four wheels of a luggage case to be extended and retracted simultaneously, or allow for the wheels to freely pivot in any direction allowing the luggage to move in any desired direction.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a luggage case, regardless of size, with a retractable handle and retractable wheels which is sturdy and of relatively simple construction. Further, it would be advantageous if the case has a construction which permits easy access to the clothes or other items packed into the case while still providing efficiency of storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of luggage wheel systems now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a retractable luggage wheel system wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when traveling.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved retractable wheel system for luggage that moves the wheels in and out of their operative position that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

Accordingly, one example of the present invention is a retractable wheel system for luggage. The retractable wheel system for luggage comprises a luggage body, at least two wheels at the base portion of the luggage body, an actuator, a cable wire, a rotary wheel, a pair of cable track wheels guiding the cable wire along the rotary wheel, a recoil spring, and pockets at the base portion of the luggage body to house the retracted wheels.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, the luggage body may include a base portion, a top portion and a plurality of sides that define a packing compartment. The luggage body may further comprise at least two wheels spaced apart at the base portion of the luggage body. The wheels are pivotably mounted to the base portion of the luggage body. The retractable wheel system may further include an actuator coupled to the housing. The actuator may be configured to retract or extend a cable wire according to a force applied by a user. The cable wire may extend from the actuator to the wheels at the base portion of the luggage body. The cable wire is manipulated by a movement of the actuator. The retractable wheel system may further comprise a rotary wheel coupled to the luggage body. The cable wire is guided to the rotary wheel by a pair of cable track wheels and the cable track wheels guide the cable wire along the rotary wheel from the actuator to the wheels. The retractable wheel system may further comprise a recoil spring coupled to the actuator. The recoil spring contracts the cable wire and retracts the wheels when the actuator is engaged. Further, a plurality of pockets may be located at the base portion of the luggage body. The pockets house the wheels when the recoil spring retracts the wheels.

One object of the present invention is to provide a luggage with wheels which, when not in use as wheeled transport, may be hidden away within the baggage, and which may quickly and easily be moved in and out of their operative positions. A further object of the invention is to provide the baggage with a mechanism for extending and retracting the transport means in and out of their operative position, which is relatively simple in design and cheap in construction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a retractable wheel system design that is easy to repair and decreases the likelihood that the wheels are damages when not in use.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a construction of the retractable wheel system that allows steering during wheeled transport.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a means of steering during wheeled transport and as a carrying means when the wheels are in an inoperative position within the luggage body.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a cutaway view of the retractable wheel system according to one embodiment of the present invention with a callout showing the same.

FIG. 2A shows a cutaway view of the retractable luggage wheel according to one embodiment of the present invention in an extended position.

FIG. 2B shows a cutaway view of the retractable luggage wheel according to one embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the retractable wheel of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the rotary wheel along the central axis according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an overhead view of the retractable luggage wheel system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the retractable wheels system for luggage. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for extending and retracting the wheels when the wheels are in their inoperative and operative positions. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a cutaway view of the retractable wheel system for luggage according to one embodiment of the present invention. The retractable wheel system may include a luggage body 102, at least two wheels 112 disposed at the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102, an actuator 114, a cable wire 116, a rotary wheel 118, a pair of cable track wheels 120 guiding the cable wire 116 along the rotary wheel 118, a recoil spring 122, and pockets 124 at the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102 to house the retracted wheels 112.

The luggage body 102 may further include a base portion 104, a top portion 106 and a plurality of sides 108. The base portion 104, top portion 106 and plurality of sides 108 define a packing compartment 110. The luggage body 102 may further comprise a molded plastic base plate 132 at the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102. The molded plastic base plate 132 have pockets to receive retracted wheels 112. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the largest dimension of the generally rectangular configuration is positioned vertically so that the luggage case is generally supported on its end rather than on its back portion.

The wheels 112 are preferably spaced apart at the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102. The wheels 112 are pivotably mounted to the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102. The recesses in the base portion 104 form a plurality of pockets 124 at the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102. The pockets 124 house the wheels 112 when the recoil spring 122 retracts the wheels 112. The luggage body should provide a pocket 124 for each wheel 112 pivotably mounted to the base portion 104. The pockets 124 are recessed spaces in the luggage body 102 configured to house the wheels 112 when the cable wire 116 is retracted.

An actuator 114 is coupled to the luggage body 102. Movement of the actuator 114 causes movement of the wheels 112 into and out of operational position. For example, when the actuator 114 is engaged, the wheels 112 are in an operational, extended position. When the actuator 114 is disengaged, the wheels 112 are in an inoperative position and remain in the pockets 124 at the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 114 is a handle that is operatively connected to the recoil spring 122 and the wheels 112 by a cable wire 116.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown a retractable luggage wheel 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The retractable wheel 200 may include a fixed upper portion 202, a wheel attachment point 204, a shaft 206, and a wheel 208. The fixed upper portion 202 includes a tongue 210 along the length of the fixed upper portion 202. The tongue 210 engages an inner axial groove 212 on the wheel attachment point 204. The wheel attachment point 204 is disposed on the upper portion of the fixed upper portion 202. The shaft 206 is located below the fixed upper portion 202. The wheel 208 is removably mounted on a distal end of the shaft 206. The shaft 206 has a lead screw configuration to engage the cable wire such that rotational motion of the cable wire is converted into linear motion through the screw. The linear motion of the screw causes the wheel 208 to extend or retract according to the motion of the actuator. The retractable wheel may further include a fixing lug configured to lock the retracted wheels 208 in the pockets.

The fixed inner shaft has a tongue along the axial length. The tongue engages into the wheel attachment point, or shaft, which has an outer diameter screw configuration. This shaft engages into the inner diameter screw on the wheel pulley. The wheel shaft is fixed to the fixed inner shaft when the pulley rotates the wheel shaft mover in or out. Rotational motion is converted to linear motion through the system, allowing the wheel to be retracted.

In another example embodiment, the retractable wheel system may include a top portion with a fixed groove and a middle portion with a lead screw configuration. The fixed groove at the top portion of the wheel system allows easy assembly to the luggage body. In one embodiment of the present invention, the base portion further comprises a fixing lug in the pockets at the base portion of the luggage body. The fixing lug is configured to lock the retracted wheels in the pockets and prevent the wheels from moving or spinning.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of the cable track wheel and the luggage wheel of the present invention. A cable wire 116 extends from the actuator 114 to the wheels 112 at the base portion 104 of the luggage body. The cable wire 116 is manipulated by a movement of the actuator 114. The cable wire 116 is configured to follow a path from the actuator 114, to a pair of cable track wheels 120, to a rotary wheel 118 near the base portion 104 of the luggage body 102. The rotary wheel 118 is operatively connected to the wheels 112 by the cable wire 116. The pair of cable track wheels 120 guide the cable wire 116 along the rotary wheel 118 from the actuator 114 to the wheels 112.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown the rotary wheel 118 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The rotary wheel 118 may include a rotating wheel 128 and fixed bearings 130 within the rotating wheel 128. The cable wire is guided to the rotary wheels 118 by a pair of cable track wheels. The rotary wheels 118 facilitate movement of the wheels into their operative and inoperative positions. As the cable track wheel is moved in a forward or reverse direction, via actuation of the handle, the luggage wheels are retracted or extended into position within a storage pocket.

FIG. 5 shows an overheard view of the rotary wheel 118 and recoil spring 122 system according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the retractable luggage wheel system may further comprise a recoil spring 122 operatively connected to the actuator 114 and the wheels 112 by the cable wire 116. The recoil spring 122 contracts the cable wire 116 and retracts the wheels 112 when the actuator is disengaged. The raising and lowering of an actuation device facilitates a likewise movement in the recoil spring 122. The recoil spring 122 is operatively connected to the wheels 112, whereby the recoil springs facilitate the rewinding of the cable wire 116 as an actuator 114, such as a handle, is returned to a retracted position. This movement results in the wheels 112 moving to an inoperative position within a pocket in the base portion of the luggage body. In another example embodiment, the recoil spring 122 may contract the cable wire 116 causing the cable track wheels 120 to move in a reverse direction and retract the wheels into a pocket.

The extension and retraction of the luggage handle uses a cable connected to series of pulleys to convert the linear motion (of the handle) into rotary motion. The rotary motion of the pulleys is then converted back into linear motion (raising and lowering the wheels) through a screw/thread design. When the handle is retracted the cable rewinds through using a recoil spring raising the wheels into the bottom portion of the luggage body. When the handle is locked down the wheels are held in their recessed position. When the handle is fully extended and in the locked position, the wheels are also locked in the fully extended position by way of the handle lock and attached cable/pulley arrangement.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A retractable wheel system for luggage, comprising; a luggage body, the luggage body comprising a base portion, a top portion a plurality of sides, and a packing compartment; at least two wheels spaced apart at the base portion of the luggage body, wherein the wheels are pivotably mounted to the base portion of the luggage body; an actuator coupled to the luggage body, wherein actuation causes the wheels to transition between an extended and a retracted position; a cable wire extending from the actuator to the wheels at the base portion of the luggage body, wherein the cable wire is manipulated by a movement of the actuator; a rotary wheel operatively connected to the wheels via the cable wire, wherein a pair of cable track wheels guide the cable wire along the rotary wheel from the actuator to the wheels; a recoil spring operatively connected to the actuator and the wheels by the cable wire, wherein the recoil spring contracts the cable wire and retracts the wheels when the actuator is disengaged; and a plurality of pockets at the base portion of the luggage body, the pockets housing the wheels when the recoil spring retracts the wheels.
 2. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein a pair of cable track wheels are provided for each wheel removably attached to the luggage body.
 3. The retractable wheel system of claim 2, wherein the pair of cable track wheels guide the cable wire from a bottom of the actuator to the rotary wheel at a perimeter of the luggage body.
 4. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a handle at the top portion of the luggage body.
 5. The retractable wheel system of claim 4, wherein movement of the handle retracts or extends the wheels into an operational position.
 6. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein the rotary wheel comprises: a rotating wheel; and fixed bearings.
 7. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein the luggage body further comprises a molded plastic base plate at the base portion of the luggage body.
 8. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein the recoil springs rewind the cable wire as the actuator is retracted.
 9. The retractable wheel system of claim 8, wherein the wheels move into an inoperative position when the recoil springs rewind the cable wire.
 10. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, further comprising a fixing lug in the pockets at the base portion of the luggage body, the fixing lug configured to lock the retracted wheels in the pockets.
 11. The retractable wheel system of claim 1, wherein the wheels comprise: a fixed upper portion, wherein the fixed upper portion comprises a tongue along a length of the fixed upper portion; a wheel attachment point on a upper portion of the fixed upper portion; and a shaft below the fixed upper portion, wherein the wheel is removably mounted on a distal end of the shaft.
 12. The retractable wheel system of claim 11, wherein the tongue engages an inner axial groove on the wheel attachment point.
 13. The retractable wheel system of claim 11, wherein the shaft has a lead screw configuration to engage the cable wire such that rotational motion of the cable wire is converted into linear motion through the screw. 